Replies

1. 
   mvflaim | Aug 14, 2006 09:21pm | #1

   John,

   Looks like you have a Dunlap or Fulton plane the same size as a Stanley 4. If you clean the top of the blade, you might see the manufacturers stamp. It may need the sole flattened and blade sharpened but other than that, you should have a plane that will last a long time for you.

    

    

    

    

   Tell me and I'll forget, show me and I'll remember, but let me try and I will understand.
2. 
   SawdustSteve | Aug 14, 2006 09:45pm | #2

   Hi John... From the photo, the plane is aprox 9 1/4" long, and if the blade is 2" wide, it is the equivelent of a #4 Smooth Plane.

   The grey hammertone paint is usually associated with older Sears planes. Check carefully, there may be a brand name at the top end of the blade. You may have to take a bit of steel wool and clean off some surface dirt to see it. About the frog (blade support)... check it with a magnet. If it is Cast iron, a magnet will stick to it. If it is die-cast, it will be non-magnetic. Another name for die-cast is ZAMACK, in reality, a zinc casting. If it is 'die-cast' it was probably made during the metal shortages of WWII. The back of the lateral adjusting lever is two wings, bent down into an upside-down 'U'. This is a good indication that it was made by the Sargent company. They were a major manufacturer for Sears. Value?? Nothing great, although some WWII tool collectors may show some interest in it. It is a good 'user' plane. Give the blade a good sharpening and start making shavings. DO NOT spend lots of time trying to make it into a magnificent plane. It will never be one. Its greatest value is that it was your dads plane and sometimes THAT is more important than any dollar value you or I could put on it.
   SawdustSteve

1. 
   JohnP732020 | Aug 15, 2006 02:10am | #3

   Sears sounds about right as my Dad was strictly a weekend fixit guy and other tools from him, e.g. power hand saw, are Craftsman as well. I will check a little closer and see what I can find under the thin layer of rust on the blade etc.

1. 
   JohnP732020 | Aug 15, 2006 02:20am | #4

   Hey, that was easy! Just a little brushing with 400 grit paper and the name popped out right at the top of the blade as predicted. It is
   DEFANCE
   by Stanley
   Made in U.S.A.
   No 1204The 'by Stanley' is in script, the rest is block letters. Cool. I am guessing by virtue of the nicks etc in the blade it is the original. Now I can start practicing my sharpening techniques.Thanks for the hint.
   John P.

1. 
   Steinmetz | Aug 16, 2006 04:19am | #5

   DEFIANCE Forties -Fifties
   Steinmetz

2. 
   Jer | Aug 17, 2006 12:24am | #6

   The Defiance line by Stanley was sort of the homeowners line.  If I were you I would sharpen up the blade, take the plane apart and clean it & oil it, and just start using it like your Pop did.  That's priceless and he would love nothing more.

3. 
   dtraversi | Aug 17, 2006 01:57am | #7

   Hey John- I just read a bit of history on the defiance plane. Long story so I'll try to be to the point. Baily is a successful plane/tool designer. Stanley tools like his planes and buys him out with the agreement that he gets royalties and name recognition. Hence the name Baily on planes made by Stanley. After a few years- a dispute over royalties destroys the relationship and Baily starts up a new line of planes. The Defiance. He trys to make a go of it but by this time Stanley tool works is so big that he can't compete. They like his new line so much they convince him to sell the rights. (must have been a smooth talking Stanley rep). For a few years there were Stanley Planes with the Defiance name stamp.

   If you are still hunting for info - maybe this will help
   Dave

1. 
   JohnP732020 | Aug 17, 2006 02:03pm | #8

   I thought about doing what you all have suggested but I think I will keep the original blade exactly as it is and buy a new one instead. It's not that the old blade is bad, I just want to keep it as it since it has the identifying marks on it. Also gives me an excuse to head to the wood store on Saturday where they are demo'ing planes this week.PS - thanks to all for the info especially the history on the Defiance name (it is Defiance..the 'I' was really faint but it is there). I have 1 other plane from the 50's that I already know a little more about. When I get a chance I will post some pictures and challange you on it. It will be interesting to see what you all know about it.John P.

1. 
   JohnP732020 | Aug 18, 2006 02:54am | #9

   Here are the pictures of the other plane I own. I received it eons ago. It is not very sophiticated at all. I know where it came from. Just curious of any other baby boomers recall it and know where it came from.